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Lightning occurs commonly during thunderstorms as well as other types of energetic weather systems, but volcanic lightning can also occur during volcanic eruptions. Lightning is an atmospheric electrical phenomenon and contributes to the global atmospheric electrical circuit.
Jun 21, 2024 · lightning, the visible discharge of electricity that occurs when a region of a cloud acquires an excess electrical charge, either positive or negative, that is sufficient to break down the resistance of air. Is ball lightning real? Learn about the mysterious phenomenon of ball lightning. See all videos for this article.
Lightning strikes during thunderstorms kill more Americans each year than either tornadoes... National Geographic explores the science behind lightning strikes.
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds. "Sheet lightning"...
See lightning strikes in real time across the planet. Free access to maps of former thunderstorms. By Blitzortung.org and contributors.
Jun 13, 2024 · If we are watching the sky, we see the lightning before we hear the thunder. That is because light travels much faster than sound waves. We can estimate the distance of the lightning by counting how many seconds it takes until we hear the thunder. It takes approximately 5 seconds for the sound to travel 1 mile.
Lightning is a large spark of electrical current in a planet's atmosphere. While lightning's effects have been measured among the clouds of Venus and Jupiter, it's the bright flashes of light flickering in our own sky that we're most familiar with.
Oct 19, 2023 · Lightning is an electric charge or current. It can come from the clouds to the ground, from cloud to cloud, or from the ground to a cloud. Lightning is a product of a planet ’s atmosphere. Raindrops very high up in the sky turn to ice.
Jun 24, 2005 · • Lightning is a giant discharge of electricity accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack of thunder. The spark can reach over five miles (eight kilometers) in length, raise the...
Apr 12, 2023 · This primer describes the characteristics of lightning and provides information on recent activities in lightning research.
